Role Overview for Chief Operating Officer with an Industrial Equipment Lessor – Milwaukee, WI
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, rapidly expanding industrial equipment lessor based in Milwaukee, WI, in their search for a dynamic and visionary Chief Operating Officer (COO). This is a pivotal executive leadership role reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and serving as a key member of the senior leadership team. The COO will be the strategic architect and hands-on leader of the company’s entire operational framework, tasked with driving efficiency, profitability, and scalable growth across all facets of the business.
The ideal candidate is a seasoned operational executive with a profound understanding of the equipment leasing and asset management industry. You will be responsible for translating the company’s strategic vision into actionable operational plans, ensuring flawless execution, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability. This role requires a unique blend of strategic foresight, financial acumen, and inspirational leadership. You will oversee a diverse range of functions, including asset management, logistics, maintenance operations, customer service, information technology, and risk management. Your leadership will be instrumental in optimizing processes, leveraging technology, managing complex supply chains, and ensuring the company maintains its competitive edge in a dynamic market. This is a rare opportunity to make a significant impact on the trajectory of a market-leading organization, shape its future, and drive its next phase of significant growth.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Operating Officer with an Industrial Equipment Lessor – Milwaukee, WI
The Chief Operating Officer will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, encompassing strategic leadership, operational execution, and team development. Success in this role will be measured by improvements in operational efficiency, profitability, customer satisfaction, and team engagement.
Strategic Leadership & Execution
Collaborate with the CEO and Board of Directors to develop and implement the company’s long-term strategic plan. Translate high-level strategy into tangible operational goals, KPIs, and initiatives. Lead the annual operating plan process and ensure alignment across all departments.
Operational Excellence
Direct and oversee all daily operations, including fleet management, asset lifecycle management, maintenance and repair services, logistics, and parts inventory. Implement best-in-class processes, including Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies, to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and improve quality.
Financial Management & P&L Oversight
Assume full P&L responsibility for all operational departments. Develop and manage annual budgets, forecasts, and capital expenditure plans. Analyze operational performance and financial data to identify trends, opportunities for improvement, and potential risks. Drive profitability through effective cost control, asset utilization, and revenue enhancement strategies.
Team Leadership & Talent Development
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of operational leaders and staff. Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation. Implement effective performance management systems, succession planning, and professional development programs to build organizational capability.
Technology & Digital Transformation
Champion the adoption and implementation of new technologies to streamline operations, enhance data analytics capabilities, and improve the customer experience. Oversee the management of ERP, CRM, and asset management systems to ensure they support business objectives.
Supply Chain & Vendor Management
Oversee all procurement, supply chain, and vendor management activities. Negotiate favorable terms with key suppliers, manufacturers, and service providers. Develop and maintain strong strategic partnerships to ensure the quality and availability of equipment and parts.
Risk Management & Compliance
Ensure all operations comply with local, state, and federal regulations, as well as industry safety standards. Develop and implement robust risk mitigation strategies to protect the company’s assets and reputation. Maintain a deep understanding of industry best practices set by the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association and other relevant bodies.
Customer Experience & Satisfaction
Partner with the sales and marketing teams to ensure a seamless and positive customer journey, from onboarding to service and support. Establish and monitor key customer satisfaction metrics and drive initiatives to enhance client retention and loyalty.
Requirements for the Chief Operating Officer with an Industrial Equipment Lessor – Milwaukee, WI
We are seeking a proven leader with extensive experience and a demonstrated track record of success in a senior operational role within a relevant industry. The following qualifications are essential for consideration:
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Finance, Engineering, or a related field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is strongly preferred.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive professional experience, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., COO, VP of Operations, General Manager) with significant P&L responsibility.
Industry Expertise
Direct and extensive experience in the industrial equipment leasing, asset financing, transportation, or heavy machinery industries is mandatory. A deep understanding of asset lifecycle management, residual value analysis, and maintenance programs is critical.
Financial Acumen
Exceptional financial literacy with proven experience in budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and capital allocation. Must be adept at using data to drive decision-making and measure performance.
Strategic Thinker
Demonstrated ability to think strategically, anticipate future trends, and develop long-range plans that align with business goals. Experience with M&A due diligence and integration is a plus.
Leadership & Communication Skills
Superior leadership presence with the ability to inspire, motivate, and manage large, diverse teams. Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to effectively present to the Board, investors, employees, and customers.
Operational & Process Improvement Skills
Proven track record of successfully implementing process improvements and driving operational efficiency. Formal training or certification in Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies is highly desirable.
Technological Proficiency
Tech-savvy with experience in leveraging modern ERP, CRM, and business intelligence tools to optimize business processes and reporting.
Personal Attributes
High level of integrity, strong work ethic, decisive, resilient, and results-oriented. A collaborative leader who can build consensus and work effectively across functions.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary and a significant performance-based annual bonus plan.
Long-Term Incentives
Meaningful equity participation or a long-term incentive plan (LTIP) to ensure alignment with the company’s long-term success.
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Paid Time Off
A generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holiday policy to support a healthy work-life balance.
Professional Development
A budget for continuing education, executive coaching, and attendance at industry conferences to foster your professional growth.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family.
Additional Perks
Executive-level perks such as a car allowance, life insurance, and disability coverage.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is exclusively managing this confidential search. If you are a visionary operational leader with the experience and drive to lead a dynamic organization to new heights, we encourage you to apply. To be considered for this exceptional opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and interest in the role.
For more information on our expertise in this sector and to explore other opportunities, please visit our Industrial & Manufacturing Executive Search practice area page. We look forward to reviewing your application. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the strictest confidence.
